I learned to snorkel on my first trip to Cozumel. I'd always loved the water and was anxious to experience snorkeling for myself. It took about fifteen minutes before I got the hang of it. My goggles kept fogging up and my breathing tube leaked so bad I had to empty it every three or four minutes. But it didn't matter. I was hooked. Under the water, you are in a different world - one where there is much less noise and a sparkling, swaying beauty that I find both calming and exciting at the same time. Even without the fish, I would love being under the surface. There's nothing like it.

That first time, I snorkeled so long I sunburned my forehead badly and it became all one big blister. (I had to put a pillowcase over my head like a bandana for the rest of the vacation.) And every time I've come to Cozumel since, I've spent a good portion of my time snorkeling. I have treasured memories from each time in the water - the time I saw over 20 starfish in one area, or when I found myself in the middle of a school of about 500 black and yellow striped sergeant majors. But the time I was snorkeling alone out in front of the Iberostar resort stands out as one of the most exciting.

I had heard several people say there were large schools of fish under the pier and I thought I would see if I could get some good photos. So I put on my mask and waded into the water. True to its name, the Iberostar has many starfish right out in front of its beach, and I was scanning the bottom and photographing as I made my way to the pier. Suddenly I saw a large shadow move across the ocean floor and I looked over expecting to see another snorkeler swimming alongside. Instead I saw a shiny silver barracuda about 4 feet long with huge teeth in his pouty jaw.

Startled, I jerked away and gasped, managing to suck in a full mouthful of saltwater. Kicking and coughing, I stuck my head above water, situated myself, and quickly went back under to see if the fish was still there.

Despite my thrashing about, the big 'cuda was less than 3 feet away, looking at me as if trying to figure out what all the commotion was about. In my haste and nervousness, I fumbled with my camera trying to line up a shot. But before I could ready myself, the stunning fish swam off past the buoys, leaving only blue ocean in my viewfinder.

Still excited, I poked my head above water looking from left to right to see if anyone else had seen the monster. There were no other snorkelers in the area and I hung my head, thinking nobody was going to believe me. It is one thing to see an amazing creature in the ocean, but it is even more fun to share that with someone else. If only I had gotten a photo. Then I heard a chuckle from above and looked up to see a Mexican man standing on the pier.

"Pescado grande, eh?" he said, holding his arms wide.

"Pescado mucho grande," I replied clutching my heart and laughing with the man. "Wow!" I added before swimming off to look for the little fish under the pier.

Donít let fear of the unknown keep you from experiencing Cozumel's beautiful underwater world. This truly is one of the most unforgettable aspects of the island and there is more than one way to experience this!